Snowflakes

I've started a million posts to put into words the way I feel. 

I know a million people have commented on the events at Sandy Hook.  I know everyone has said the same things over and over again.  I know I can't say anything that anyone else hasn't already said, but I just can't let it go. 

I didn't hear about the event until school was over.  Our building is under construction and we don't have cable TV right now.  We also wouldn't want to broadcast that information to elementary aged children.  They just don't understand.  Upon hearing the news I just kept thinking about how sad it was. 

Once I arrived home I just couldn't get it out of my mind.  I watched very little of the coverage because I was honestly very disturbed by the news asking those poor babies to recount what they "saw and heard".  They are babies!!  I know the parents gave them permission to ask them the questions, but I just felt that it was wrong to ask those poor children to relive that horrible event.  An event that robbed them of their feeling of safety.  So, I turned it off and prayed and cried.

I just kept thinking, "What if that were my babies faces on the news?  What if I had been that teacher?  Would I have been able to hide my kids?  Would I have been that quick to think?  Could I have saved my babies lives?"  Then, I prayed some more. 

I can't imagine how this event will change the lives of the Sandy Hook community.  I can't imagine how it will change my life as a teacher.  I can't imagine how these poor teachers and children and moms and dads and brothers and sisters and friends will ever move on.

My kids have been begging to make cards for the kids at Sandy Hook.  So yesterday, as part of our "Holiday Party" my kids decided to make snowflakes.  They so willing gave up of their time to make the typical school treats for themselves in order to fill the halls of Sandy Hook with beautiful snowflakes.  In all we made close to 200 snowflakes.  They cut and I cried.  One little boy asked me if I thought the snowflakes would make them happy again.  Although I don't think they will fix the broken hearts, I do think that walking into their "new" school will be a bit easier when they see the halls filled with beautiful snowflakes that represent a nation who is praying for peace in their lives.

So, here's to Sandy Hook!  May the Lord bring peace to your lives and hearts!